With a Lot of Help from Our "Friends"

With a Lot of Help from Our "Friends"

 

Florida can boast to having 160 state parks, the third highest number in all the states. How is it possible to maintain such a sizeable number of attractions that regularly receive national recognitions, such as the nation’s "Best Beach" and the first ever two-time winner of the Gold Medal Award, which honors the nation’s best state park service?

"Our parks are staffed by a very select group of trained and dedicated personnel who are committed to maintaining the highest quality of service," explained Mike Bullock, Director of the Florida Park Service. "However, we could not do all it takes to preserve Florida’s natural treasures without a lot of help from our ‘Friends’."

The Friends of Florida State Parks, an incorporated, not-for-profit organization, is the leading advocate for the state parks system and is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Florida’s natural areas. Friends is a member-driven organization formed in 1993 by citizens who were willing to devote time and financial resources to insure all persons could enjoy the natural wonders of the state parks for years to come. In addition to the statewide Friends group, there are 81 citizen support organizations (CSOs) and thousands of volunteers who support specific state parks.

It is estimated that more than 14,000 Floridians and visitors contribute more than one million hours annually working in the parks and hosting special events to raise money for educational, cultural and environmental projects.

"Our volunteers are incredible. We couldn’t maintain the high standards of quality in our parks without them," said Mike Bullock.

Keeping abreast of technology, the Friends have launched a new Web site, FriendsofFloridaStateParks.com, to further support the award-winning state park system. This Web site provides information on the Friends organization and highlights incredible features in the state parks. Web visitors can join the organization and also learn about the exciting new "Grow our Parks" program. This initiative, developed by the volunteer Board of Directors, consists of a tree planting in one of Florida’s state parks to honor each new and renewing member.

"We are very excited to partner with the state parks in planting trees," said Elaine McLaughlin, this year’s Friends president. "This is yet another way we can help the parks preserve the natural beauty of our state parks."

In addition to planting a tree, membership benefits include free park passes and a subscription to Real Florida magazine, all for an affordable price of $25.00 for individuals and $45.00 for families. Patron and non-profit organization membership packages are also available. Membership is not restricted to Floridians; many of the members are seasonal visitors to our state. Details of membership plans and levels of "Friendship" and benefits can be found on the new Web site.

To learn more about the Friends and how you can join them in their mission to advocate for and support the Florida State Park system, visit www.FriendsofFloridaStateParks.com or call 1-800-338-1980.